All posts tagged kirsty mcneill

It is a quirk of British political journalism that often the most interesting stories and developments never get on to page 1 – they make only a few hundred words on page 2. Traditionally, it is there that political editors and correspondents can find a home for news that they and several hundred Westminster insiders, but virtually nobody else, will find interesting . It might be an ‘insidery’ tale about an aide or speechwriter who has walked out, or structured gossip relating to a squabble over an internal party appointment.

But quite often these tales are useful early-warning signs, much as a sudden change in air pressure and temperature indicate that a violent storm is only minutes away. If it is being briefed that Lord Mandelson is unhappy with the PM’s choice of key aides, those who are expected to take him right through to the election next year, then there’s trouble afoot in Labour high command.